'Exactly where I need to be': How two Finals stars came to happier homes from Chicago

Two of the WNBA Finals' biggest stars are thriving in new homes — both after difficult departures from the Chicago Sky, ESPN's Kareem Copeland reports.

Atlanta's Angel Reese and Golden State's Gabby Williams are the leaders of their respective teams in a Finals the Dream lead 2-1.

Reese's Finals have been nothing short of historic. She joined Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart as the only players in Finals history with a 30-and-15 game. It would have been hard to imagine a year ago: six months ago, Reese was still a member of the Chicago Sky. After she told the Chicago Tribune in September 2025 that she wouldn't settle for another lost season, the Sky — who had drafted her No. 7 in 2024 — traded her to Atlanta for two first-round picks, a move that sent jaws dropping around the league.

In 2026, Reese was named an All-Star for the third straight season and won the rebounding title, forming a strong bond with coach Karl Smesko. She has spoken about how comfortable she is in Atlanta.

Williams was the No. 4 pick by Chicago in 2018, but her determination to play for France at the 2021 Olympics drove a wedge between her and the franchise. She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in May 2021 and later became a three-time All-Defense selection with the Seattle Storm. The Valkyries made her an absolute priority, and after her first All-Star appearance in 2025, she is having her best season in Golden State.

"I wouldn't change anything about where I'm at in my career right now. I'm exactly where I need to be," Williams said. Fit matters — and right now, both stars have found theirs.